Far from a dream-pedalling book of aspiration, Rosen’s in-depth exploration of the off-grid lifestyle draws on his own extensive experience of pushing a run-down shack in Majorca into self-sufficiency, as well as interviews and analysis of case studies around the UK.

We produce 10 million tonnes of packaging waste each year, but there’s generally a blithe acceptance that whatever can’t be recycled is a necessary evil. However, as we push our technological competence for reclaiming value from waste resources...

The marketing blurb on the back of this book asks: ‘When did you last climb a tree? Pick some blackberries? Spot a bird of prey? Walk through woodland looking for wildflowers? Search for treasure on a beach?

Newcastle-under-Lyme recently launched the UK’s most complicated kerbside collection service, requiring residents to separate waste into eight distinct containers. But why have they taken such a drastic step? And how will residents cope? Resource investigates

Wales is set to introduce the UK’s first charge on all single-use carrier bags. By not exempting compostable carrier bags, though, Novamont’s Tony Breton thinks the legislation represents a missed opportunity to divert food waste

Charles Barry’s Palace of Westminster is a beautiful building imbued with the memories of generations of political power brokers; with every footstep taken around its gilded corridors, the echoes of history made and in the making can be heard.

The government says the idea behind the ‘big society’ is to “take power away from politicians and give it to people”. But what does it mean for the community reuse sector? Richard Featherstone explores the opportunities inherent in the ill-defined concept

The packaging industry looks favourably on cartons for beverage storage, but there are significant challenges to ensure they are recycled. Leonie Butler examines UK collection efforts

We produce too much waste and consume too much energy. Gasification and pyrolysis won’t change this, but can they help us deal with both issues? In the final instalment of our renewable energy series, Libby Peake gets to grips with advanced thermal treatments

Hot water on demand. Lighting at the flick of a switch. Ice in your drink on a hot day. Could you give up these little, often taken for granted luxuries? Rachel England meets three people who did and have never looked back